Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $41.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Berkeley, CA runs $41.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,259 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $41.87 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national hourly median of $35.74. This competitive rate offers substantial earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers who typically engage with patients in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly earnings for entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Berkeley start at approximately $30.45, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $50.93, reflecting the income range that caters to various levels of expertise. With the cost of living index in Berkeley sitting at 113.1, higher than the national average, these hourly rates are essential for COTAs navigating their financial responsibilities in this vibrant city.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.45 | $243.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.13 | $289.02 |
| Median (P50) | $41.87 | $335.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.24 | $361.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.93 | $407.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $41.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.87/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,099 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,249. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,674.98 | $7,258 | $87,099 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.99 | $4,355 | $52,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.99 | $2,903 | $34,840 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Berkeley) | $41.87 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $87,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.17% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.40% above the California state average of $86,748.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.87/hr = $52,259/year (purchasing power: $46,206).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,099/year (purchasing power: $77,011).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Berkeley grew 17.5% from $34.65/hr (2019) to $40.73/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.05/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Berkeley
A part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week at 24 hours can expect to earn roughly $52,000 annually, which is appealing compared to a full-time commitment. For those in per diem roles, agency work typically pays between $30 and $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering even higher weekly rates that can range from $1,100 to $1,700. Notably, the recent decline in premium pay for COTAs in skilled nursing facilities, following the 15% Medicare cut, has made it increasingly important for professionals to explore varied settings such as school districts or early intervention programs to maximize their earnings. While some COTAs may choose positions that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without those benefits. Negotiation remains crucial; understanding the specific pay structures across different employer types in Berkeley—such as outpatient clinics versus hospital systems—can help in securing the best compensation package tailored to their career goals.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Berkeley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Berkeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Berkeley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Berkeley?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Berkeley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov